It has long been said that a smile can light up a room. From the way you talk to your ever-engaging laugh, your teeth tell a lot about you and are often the first thing people notice when they engage with you. Your overall appearance has a lot to do with your genetics. Although some bright, white smiles come naturally for some, they are few and far between.
The good news is that there are various cosmetic dentistry procedures that you can choose from to enhance your smile and increase your confidence.
Here are the top 5 ways to enhance your smile through cosmetic dentistry.
1. Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for an easy non-surgical way to enhance your smile, teeth whitening is the best option. This popular cosmetic procedure can remove stain and discoloration from the surfaces of your teeth, leaving them up to six shades brighter in a matter of hours or weeks, depending on the method you choose.
An in-office teeth whitening procedure, like Zoom, starts with a standard cleaning to remove any plaque or debris throughout the mouth. The cleaning is then followed by a whitening procedure to add a whitening agent to the teeth. In some methods, an activation light is used to set the whitening gel. In-office procedures take 60-90 minutes to complete, while at-home methods can require 7-14 days of daily whitening. In either case, whitening lasts 6-12 months based on your oral hygiene care and overall diet.
2. Composite Filings
More aesthetically pleasing than amalgam fillings, composite fillings are the perfect way to keep your teeth in healthy shape while disguising their fix. Made from composite resin, composite fillings can be color-matched to align with the shade of your natural teeth.
Regular dental visits are essential to tracking your tooth health and notating any changes in your oral makeup. When a cavity is found, your dentist will remove the decayed area, clean out the entirety of the tooth and replace the missing area with layers of composite resin. The top layer will be shaped and polish to match the natural shape of your tooth. If you currently have amalgam fillings, you can work with your dental team to replace them with composite fillings. Composite fillings can last upwards of 10 years.
3. Dental Implants
Dental implants are a popular dental treatment for replacing missing teeth in your mouth. Replicating natural teeth, dental implants are an ideal cosmetic treatment that can change the entire look of your smile. With enhanced durability compared to other tooth replacement options, dental implants are artificial teeth with a root-like structure placed into the jaw bone.
In addition, dental implants act as an artificial anchor for bridges, partials, or a crown. A longer process than other cosmetic procedures, dental implants require multiple dental visits spaced months apart to account for healing. However, once completed, dental implants can last up to 20 years.
4. Veneers
Did you know that most of Hollywood’s elite chose to brighten and whiten their smiles by opting into dental veneers? A cosmetic procedure that has increased in popularity over the years, veneers are a great way to create a more prominent smile. Made from porcelain or composite enamel, veneers are used to correct misaligned, uneven, stained, improperly spaced, or chipped teeth.
In most instances, a small amount of a patient’s natural enamel will need to be removed for placement, especially with porcelain options. Veneers are an excellent long-term option for those looking to enhance their teeth, lasting 10-15 years before replacement.
5. Crowns
A cosmetic treatment that completely encapsulates the affected tooth or teeth, dental crowns can protect against injury, infection, and decay on existing teeth. Crowns are ideal for patients who have damage or decay on a tooth that must be worked on significantly to get it back intact.
Often accompanying a crown placement is the requirement for a root canal, a procedure to remove the active root of the tooth. The most popular material for crowns is porcelain, but they can be made out of other materials in rare instances. Once adhered to the tooth, they are secured into place by dental cement and can last 10-15 years or longer depending on overall oral care.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your smile with brighter, whiter teeth or are hoping to change the look of your mouth by replacing missing teeth, we can help. Cosmetic dentistry is an essential facet of the dental world. It works to boost oral health while lifting the confidence of all patients, a true win-win for all involved. To learn more about what cosmetic treatment is right for you, contact us to book your appointment today.
